Tongabezi Lodge – Zambia

Tongabezi Lodge is a romantic hideaway on the banks of the Zambezi River just upstream of Victoria Falls. Our friendly team welcomes guests to a selection of houses and cottages, each beautifully styled with furniture and embellishments from all over Africa. Guests can dine beside the river or on their private terrace. Privately owned and run, Tongabezi combines an exclusive ambience with the legendary warmth and hospitality of the people of Zambia.

Tongabezi is the ultimate destination for romance – if you have a special occasion to celebrate, our entire team will be at your service to ensure the ultimate wedding, honeymoon, or anniversary – but the real beauty of the Tongabezi experience lies in its ability to set the scene and inspire a little magical romance in everyone… no occasion necessary!

Guests can also stay on our private island, Sindabezi, an exclusive eco-friendly camp in the Zambezi River.

The true aesthetic of every Tongabezi space is the underlying philosophy that nothing is too much. Private dining is offered in a never ending choice of venues from a quirky picnic on an authentic dhow to an indulgent lazy breakfast in your king size bed or your very own Sampan floating on the Zambezi river, illuminated by the Milky Way and paraffin lamps – with every course delivered by canoe.

ACCOMMODATION:
Tongabezi has three open-fronted thatched houses, two enclosed houses, five River Cottages all with sweeping views over the river and a Garden House set in its own private walled garden. In addition we have the private island bush camp at Sindabezi Island and the Tangala House family home.

The Garden House is ideal for a family or couple who want luxury and privacy as the house is situated behind a private walled garden and set back from the river. Ensuring exclusivity features of the house include a private dining area, large lounge, two double en suite bedrooms and a plunge pool.

The Nut House is a beautiful glass-tiled suite with folding doors opening onto a private garden and infinity plunge pool. Sunlight streams through the glass onto the wood and stone floors making it a beautiful African retreat with stunning views of the Zambezi from its raised position.

The Dog House is uniquely designed to provide the perfect accommodation for small groups or families travelling together it is set on high platform decks built from sustainable wood. A central deck features the dining room, lounge and an open air plunge pool and two spacious en-suite bedrooms can be reached via elevated walkways. During high water the Zambezi flows underneath the decks.

Situated among the branches of riverine trees is the Tree House. The suite’s king-size bed has beautiful river views while the extended lounging deck is ideal for private dining and the claw foot bath boasts one of the best views on the Zambezi.

The Bird House has a private terrace for outdoor dining as well as an open-air claw foot bath. Like all the other rooms, Bird House is open-air, spacious and luxurious and features a king-size bed with mosquito netting.

The Honeymoon House is exceptionally indulgent and private, overlooking the river and providing the perfect candlelit dinner location. It’s incredibly spacious with simple flow from the bedroom to all the relaxation areas. It also features an open-air claw foot bath with beautiful river views.

The five River Cottages overlook the Zambezi River through large gauzed windows and feature a large double bed or two singles with a spacious en suite bathroom, a generous indoor area and a large outdoor patio – ideal for relaxation or private dining.

Sindabezi Island is unique – the discerning traveler’s best kept secret. An idyllic, exclusive camp on our very own private isle on the Zambezi River it is the only luxury bush camp from where Victoria Falls can comfortably be explored. Experience the large number of activities in the area during the day and return to a tranquil haven, a thousand light years away from the bustle at night. Sindabezi Island is currently one of the top 10 eco lodges in Africa according to Fodor’s.

Sindabezi has only five open-sided thatched cottages, allowing guests to soak up the sights and sounds of the African bush in the perfect, pristine setting. Views across the flood plains of the Zambezi and into the nearby National Park complete the experience.

COMMUNITY AND CONSERVATION:
Tongabezi is so closely knitted with the local community that it is impossible to visit here without understanding the positive impact your presence has on this corner of Africa. You will be touched by the genuine joy and strength of the Zambian people… from the Tujatane children to the staff involvement in spearheading community projects.

The Tongabezi Trust School was set up in 1996 by Vanessa Parker, who was previously teaching as a volunteer in Livingstone. Vanessa is the wife of Ben, who established Tongabezi in 1990 together with the late William Ruck-Keene. The school provides education to the Tongabezi staff children, as well as children from the local community, in an area where educational funding and materials are scarce. Tujatane has grown from a pre-school class of 15 children, to a primary school with over 190+ students. The school has charity status in the UK and is completely funded through donations.

10% of proceeds from Livingstone Island trips is donated to build houses for Mukuni village teachers. It is a basic fact that better housing attracts higher qualified teachers and the three bedroom houses that we build are considered excellent teacher accommodation, having the desired effect of making the schools in this area more attractive to teachers.